Event Details

TANNER HOUSE ACTIVITIES ON THE 4TH

The “Ringing of the Bells” is just one American tradition highlighted at the Aurora Historical Society’s Independence Day celebration at the Tanner House Museum on the Fourth of July from 11am-2pm.

Banjo music, flimflam artistry, riding in a horse drawn wagon, a pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, free tours of the 1857 home and picnic fare of hot dogs, chips, old-fashioned sodas and Oberweis ice cream are other attractions.

Activities begin at the museum, 305 Cedar Street, Aurora, 60506, right after the City of Aurora parade downtown. The bluegrass-flavored music of Hudson Crossing and the magic of Swinn D. Lure, the Windy City Wizard, will be ongoing, as will the free self-guided tours of the Tanner House, the petting zoo and craft activities. Free wagon rides on Oak Avenue are scheduled beginning at noon. At exactly 1:00pm children will be invited to pull the ropes on historic bells for two minutes as part of a nationwide bell ringing observance established by Congress 51 years ago. A pie-eating contest to the fast and furious strumming of Hudson Crossing will follow the ringing.